FUND DRIVE. The Gloucester Chapter of the American Red Cross has started a capital fund drive for its first owned facility.

The chapter bought property at 2823 George Washington Memorial Highway in Hayes in January. It is seeking partners from the community to help raise $200,000 for the cost of the property, site preparation, renovations etc.

Donors will be recognized with a permanent plaque in the new reception area of the building.

Donations can be sent to American Red Cross, Gloucester Chapter, P.O. Box 2092, Gloucester 23061.

Information: 693-5554.

VIRGINIA GROWN. Information about where to buy and pick fresh-grown fruits and vegetables, listed by locality, is available at www.virginiagrown.com. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Web site also has information about when specific varieties are available and recipes for the produce.

STORIES. The Daily Press Summer of Stories Children's Book Drive will be held through Sunday. The Daily Press is collecting donations of new and gently used children's books for distribution to nonprofit organizations serving disadvantaged children. There is a special need for books for toddlers and teens. These books will become the personal property of children in shelters, foster care or hospitalized. Books can be dropped off at:

* The Daily Press main lobby, 7505 Warwick Blvd., Newport News

* Chick-fil-A -- all six Peninsula locations

* Barnes & Noble -- Hampton and Newport News

* College of William and Mary Bookstore, Williamsburg

* Ukrop's Supermarket, Williamsburg

For more information, contact Leslie Werner at lwerner@dailypress.com.